Popcorn maker Pop Secret has made available to the public an app that will enable users to smell the delicious odor of newly popped popcorn during smartphone gameplay. The kernel-shaped dongle - The Pop Dongle - is plugged into the audio jack of your smartphone and at appropriate moments you get a popcorn-scented spritz of heaven.

The app and dongle were produced as part of a series of digital experiments called Pop Secret Labs in conjunction with the Deutsch LA creative agency and Deeplocal, a Pittsburgh agency.

According to Deeplocal, the Pop Dongle has enough scent to spray 500 to 1000 times. You can't refill the cartridges in this version, but such a solution would be considered if the company decides to move forward. You charge the dongle through USB.

Deeplocal CEO Nathan Martin said the technology challenge was to make the smell available only during a finite period of time during the game. When you swipe the button, a sub-audible sound triggers the release of the scent.

"You're playing a game about popcorn (and smelling it)," Martin says. "That's what makes it real."

SF great Frederik Pohl's legion of fans no doubt recall that the fabled joymaker from his 1965 novel The Age of the Pussyfoot also had the ability to spray selected scents - and tranquilizers - if need be.

"Cut that out!" Forrester was breathing hard. Abruptly, the joymaker in his hand hissed and sprayed him with something that felt damp for a second, then dissipated.
(Read more about the cellphone spray)